Understanding the relevant legal requirements before embarking on forest road engineering activities is critical. Consents and approvals are often required. This chapter covers some of the main regulations that need to be considered. These include:
- The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) – for forestry activities, including earthworks, quarrying and river crossings
- The Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga Act – for activities that could disturb or modify archaeological sites
- The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) and related regulations, and the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations (ACOP) – to undertake any forest activity
- District Council Road Controlling Authority and NZ Transport Agency requirements – for access onto council roads and state highways.